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Recently rewarded, Lowery leading linebacker corps off the field

Rutgers linebacker Antonio Lowery has been pointing the way for his teammates — both on the field and in the kitchen — this summer. (MyCentralJersey.com file photo)

Antonio Lowery is a senior now, so the Rutgers linebacker understands he’s being looked upon to set an example for the younger players on the Scarlet Knights football team.

“”I can’t be doing stuff I was doing my freshman year. You have to grow out of it,” Lowery says. “”I can’t be coming late to meetings, can’t be doing negative things. You have to be a leader.”

Recently, Lowery was rewarded for his off-the-field maturation, as he was named the recipient of a scholarship from iXP Corporation, a Cranbury-based, national provider of public safety and security solutions.

According to iXP, the purpose of the scholarship is “”to help enhance the educational experiences and opportunities for Rutgers’ student-athletes interested in pursuing a career in Criminal Justice or Business — and is awarded in accordance with NCAA guidelines.”

“”Endowing this scholarship is our way of encouraging these athletes to value academics and sport, understanding that both are necessary to succeed,” said Richard E Dale, chairman and chief executive officer of iXP Corp., which has pledged a total of $100,000 over the life of the endowment, with scholarships being awarded to two Rutgers Football players annually.

“”We value Rutgers University’s pursuit of academic and athletic excellence,” said William E. Metro, iXP’s president and chief operating officer.

Lowery, who was recently honored during a ceremony inside Rutgers’ recruiting lounge, says he “”was really, really excited to get that scholarship.”

“”That’s a tremendous honor,” said Lowery, a 6-foot-2, 225-pounder slated to start at weakside linebacker this fall for the Scarlet Knights.

Lowery insists he’s taken on more of a leadership role this summer, whether it’s guiding his young linebacker corps in 7-on-7 drills or simply cooking meals for his teammates at his apartment.

“”I’m the cook of the team so I invite everyone over,” Lowery said. “”I try to get anybody, not just my position, but everybody to try to come over and eat, kick it, talk, laugh.”

But one probably would have an easier time getting Lowery to divulge Rutgers’ defensive playbook than for the Miami native to offer the ingredients of his specialty — Dade County Cheeseburgers.

“”No way,” Lowery said, laughing, “”I can’t teach you that recipe.”

CLARIFICATION: According to Lois Russo of iXP Corp., Lowery is not getting $100,000 from iXP. As an explanation, Russo wrote via email: “”iXP pledged a total of $100,000 — the total endowment — to Rutgers over time, and scholarship recipients do not get that total, but a portion of it as determined by the University.”

About Keith Sargeant

Keith Sargeant is a graduate of Middlesex County College and Kean University. A Home News Tribune staff writer since August 1997, Keith has been covering Rutgers sports since 2000, serving as the Scarlet Knights' football beat writer since 2006.

The Lowery family must be very proud of both their young men who made a great choice to become Scarlet Knights and get an excellent education from Rutgers. No matter how far you go with football, you BOTH will have a Diploma from a stalwart institution that will carry you forward for the rest of your life.

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